Take it outside: best outdoor patios and decks

Whether you’re hitting happy hour after a stroll down Pearl Street, on your way home from the office or as the last stop on your trail, kicking back on an outdoor patio or deck is the perfect way to top off a summer day in Boulder County. Here are a few of the great outdoor spaces that offer happy hour specials alongside their fresh air.

Let’s say it’s a Friday evening, you just finished work and you want to relax. What should you do? We suggest heading over to Casa Alegre to listen to a bit of live Latin music while chowing down on a fajita quesadilla or maybe some nachos. This place offers a colorful, spacious patio and makes a mean traditional margarita. Don’t depair when the Latin music ends at 8 p.m., because, just a half hour later, the live American music begins. And the best part is you can enjoy half-off drinks during the second round of happy hour as well.

Daisy Bauer

Sherpa’s Adventurers Restaurant and Bar’s outdoor patio.

Sherpa’s Adventurers Restaurant & Bar

825 Walnut St., Boulder, 303-440-7151

Happy Hour: 5-7 p.m. Monday-Sunday.
$2 draft beers.

Sherpa’s humble abode is a Victorian-style house with an intimate and cozy charm. The patio is welcoming and surrounded by a creatively landscaped garden. Get your own taste of the Himalayas during their happy hour with authentic Nepalese food and draft beer, all the while soaking in the flowers and a summer breeze.

It’s no secret that the Rio Grande is known for its delicious and, shall we say, potent margaritas. Turns out, the three margs you are allowed to drink taste even better when you’re enjoying them in the sunshine on the rooftop patio. Our research says there are few things better than sitting under an umbrella savoring a happy-hour-priced Hibiscus Skinny Marg while nibbling on happy-hour tacos. Not to worry if margaritas aren’t your thing — replace them with a happy-hour draft beer or glass of wine and join your pals up on the roof.

Right in the heart of downtown Longmont is The Roost, where you’ll find American cuisine in a relaxed, but sophisticatedatmosphere. When it comes to outdoor seating, you can choose the deck off the back or the rooftop bar. Happy hour at The Roost means discounted cocktails, beers and wines and a bounty of delicious food offerings, including vegetarian and gluten-free options. And remember, The Roost donates 10 percent of all proceeds to a non-profit started by the owners that helps families with the cost of adoption.

Beau Jo’s is home to great pizza including mountain pies with homemade crust you can dip in honey when the cheese and meat have disappeared. About the only thing that can make this pizza better is enjoying it on the rooftop deck during happy hour at this Colorado company’s new Longmont location. We suggest an order of cheesy bread or a soft pretzel with queso to go along with your cold glass of handcrafted draft beer from Beau Jo’s brewer of the month.

Located in the heart of “Old Town,” Louisville, Waterloo boasts the best rooftop patio in town, with great food and drinks to boot. Happy Hour here is called “The Loo Hour,” and has daily specials and discounted appetizers to munch on to your heart’s content. Don’t forget Trivia Night on Wednesdays or live music on Tuesdays and Thursdays. And it’s all better on the gorgeous new canopied patio. Enjoy.